The quest for novel bioactive ingredients often leads to unexpected places. Some interesting and valuable natural compounds have been taken from Siberian lichen extracts. Others have been identified in the secretions of poisonous frogs from the Amazon. The famous drug Rapamycin was discovered in the dirt of the Polynesian tropical island Rapa Nui, now its namesake. Still other drugs and drug-candidates, like purealin and spongosine, have been isolated from the bodies of organisms living at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. (Sometimes these creatures are found once and never seen again.)

Our quest, in this instance, has taken us to the cape of South Africa, where Xhosa diviners (amagqirha) partake of unusual herbs in their ancient rites of passage. Herbs which are reputed to induce powerful, lucid, prophetic dreams; which are reputed to facilitate trance states and open the gates to an inner-world… Herbs which, in short, have a very interesting reputation, but which have been largely ignored by modern science.

The first of these is the root of Silene Capensis. This root – locally known as undlela ziimhlophe, or “white paths” – is a true oneirogen in that its use is solely intended to induce divinatory dreams. Traditionally, the root is washed, pulverized, and the powder shaken with water to produce a foamy froth, which is then skimmed and partaken of. (This method of administration suggests that the ‘active ingredients’ are triterpene or steroidal saponins, and our proprietary extraction process has been developed with that in mind.) Traditionally, the froth is taken for a period of three days during the full moon. Anecdotally, it is said that it takes some time for S.Capensis to “kick in.” Although this must be taken in the proper cultural and emotional context, Xhosa diviners who have used S.Capensis report dreams which have aspects of the “vision quest” – dreams which may give answers to problems, deliver messages from ancestors, offer spiritual guidance, and so forth.

Silene Capensis is the subject of ancient and detailed myths and rituals, which are partially described in Hirst’s “Root, Dream and Myth: The Use of the Oneirogenic Plant Silene Capensis Among the Xhosa of South Africa.”

The second herbal oneirogen is the tuberous root of Synaptolepis Kirkii. Locally known as Uvuma-omhlope, this root is used by both the Zulu and the Xhosa to promote clear vision prior to heading into dream states, to induce prophetic and visionary dreams, and to lead to profoundly restful and restorative sleep. S.Kirkii’s active components have not been clearly determined, but it has been shown that the root contains neurotrophic daphnane diterpenes. [1] Kirkinine, in particular, is a remarkably potent neurotrophic agent, and is effective at low-nanomolar concentrations. The use of S.Kirkii may have, therefore, a lasting nootropic effect.

The combination of these two herbs, in proprietary and thoughtfully-prepared extracts, should facilitate powerful and productive dreams while also allowing for deep and restful sleep. The S.Capensis and S.Kirkii we use in this product have been ethically and sustainably hand-harvested by Xhosa Shamans, whom we are now closely affiliated with.

To round-out the formula, we have included several additional ingredients, beginning with the closest thing Asia has to an oneirogen: Hemidesmus Indicus. The root of this Ayurvedic herb is used to assist in entering meditation trance-states, and is also said to prolong REM sleep and improve dream recall. Furthermore, it is well known for its activity as an Ayurvedic panacea, with antioxidant, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, otoprotective, cardioprotective, and mild diuretic properties. [2,3,4,5]

Hesperidin is a sedative which presumably operates primarily via adenosine [6] and opioid [7] receptors. But the most interesting thing about it is a completely unrelated trait: It directly upregulates the myogenic differentiation factor MyoD, which “suggests a beneficial role in promoting muscle regeneration.” [8] In vivo experiments strongly suggest that it’s an anabolic aid which can support muscle regeneration and growth following exercise. Hesperidin gives Oneiromancer ergogenic properties which every athlete/bodybuilder should find strongly beneficial.

Triacetyluridine and our phospholipid compled (80%+ phosphatidylcholine) were included for their ability to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Activation of cholinergic neurons plays a vital role in the induction and duration of REM sleep. Triacetyluridine also has a reputation as a nootropic.

The rest of the ingredients in this formula need little introduction. Melatonin can increase REM sleep duration [9] and normalize sleeping patterns. Vitamin B6, at high doses, can increase dream recall. Ergogenic Benefits:

For a long time it’s been understood that muscle growth depends on three things:

Stimulus (exercise) Nutrition Rest

Countless different exercises, training techniques, machines, and routines have been developed and employed to ensure that muscles are adequately stimulated to promote growth while Intermittent Fasting, GOMAD, Paleo, Ketogenic, Carb Cycling, and many other diets have been perfected, not to mention the contentious issue of dietary supplements.

The third part of the triumvirate, however, is often neglected. Aside from taking a few days off from training every week most bodybuilders don’t give rest much thought – but maybe they should. Poor sleep can have huge negative effects on both training and everyday life, sapping energy levels, reducing testosterone and growth hormone levels, and increasing catabolic hormones.

Oneiromancer promotes deep and restful R.E.M. sleep, which can help to maximise training results.

Oneiromancer goes way beyond the standard Valerian Root/Mucuna Pruriens/ZMA sleep formulas. It is not another run-of-the-mill dream supplement. In addition to the obvious rest and recovery benefits it may help increase dream recall, improve problem solving, aid in meditation and relaxation, and even induce lucid dreams and astral projection.

The unconscious mind is a powerful tool. Unlocking the potential of your sleeping state can have positive effects on your everyday waking life. Oneiromancer is the key to harnessing the power of your dreams.